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Sorry for missing a few journal entries, guys. The move to Los Angeles was a much bigger task than I had anticipated. I want to give some advice to those who are thinking of moving here.
If you really want to be a working screenwriter in the industry, you absolutely have to live in LA. I don't care how good a writer you are, your career will not get off the ground anywhere else but here.
If you do decide to move, don't procrastinate. A lot of fear will come up. The anxiety of "the big move" will build and build and eat you alive.
Save up enough money to make the move as easy as possible. AT THE VERY LEAST, you will need a thousand dollars. And that's if you have almost nothing to your name and you're going to rent a room in east LA.
Use a service like Westsiderentals.com in order to find the right place for you. These places go very fast so what you have to do is schedule a weekend to come out. Then a few days before you come, get at least twenty of the new rentals that suit you to look at when you are here.
When you go to each property, take with you a copy of your credit report, proof of income, your resume, and good letters of reference. Renting here is very competitive. Also dress nice and be very courteous.
Make sure you have enough cash. To give you an example, I rented a one bedroom house in a good neighborhood in Burbank. The total amount it cost me to move, including deposit and first month's rent: 4,800!
Good luck if you decide to take the plunge! |
